Cristo Rei: Lisbon's Christ Statue and Viewpoint

Cristo Rei, the giant statue of Christ with outstretched arms, stands high on the south bank of the Tagus, facing Lisbon across the river. A lift takes you to a viewing platform with one of the best panoramas of the city and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Getting there is half the fun: a ferry ride across the river.

Quick answer: take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (about 10 minutes), then a bus or taxi up to the sanctuary. Ride the lift to the platform for the view (small fee). Afterwards, eat seafood in Cacilhas or walk along the riverside to the Boca do Vento lift. Allow half a day.

Why go

Most Lisbon viewpoints look across the city. Cristo Rei looks at it, from the other side of the river, so you see the whole waterfront at once: Belém, the bridge, the Baixa, Alfama and the castle. The trip also gets you onto the river and into Almada, a side of Lisbon most visitors never see.

About Cristo Rei

The monument was inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. It was built after the Second World War, partly as thanks for Portugal being spared from the conflict, and inaugurated on 17 May 1959. The architect was António Lino and the sculptor Francisco Franco.

The statue itself is 28 metres tall and stands on a pedestal of about 82 metres, shaped like a huge gateway. Together they stand about 110 metres tall, on a clifftop well above the river.

What to see

• The viewing platform: on top of the pedestal, reached by lift. Views over Lisbon, the river mouth and the bridge. Most people spend 20 to 30 minutes up there.
• The sanctuary grounds: chapels, a small exhibition and a lower viewpoint facing Lisbon. The grounds are free; you only pay for the lift.
• Cacilhas: riverside seafood restaurants and the old frigate D. Fernando II e Glória, a 19th-century sailing warship now open as a museum ship.
• Boca do Vento: a lift and riverside walk in Almada with city views.

Getting there

• Ferry: boats run from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas throughout the day, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. See Cais do Sodré.
• Bus: from the Cacilhas terminal, a Carris Metropolitana bus goes up to the sanctuary, a short ride. Check the current route number and times at the terminal.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: a short, cheap trip from Cacilhas. See Uber, Bolt or taxi.
• Car: drive over the 25 de Abril Bridge and follow signs for Cristo Rei. There is a car park at the sanctuary.
• On foot: from Cacilhas you can walk along the river to the Boca do Vento lift, ride up, then follow the clifftop road to the monument. Allow about an hour.

A half-day plan

Take a mid-afternoon ferry, bus up to Cristo Rei and ride the lift. Head back down to Cacilhas, walk along the riverfront for the views, then have an early seafood dinner before the ferry home. If you time it right, you see Lisbon turn gold in the evening light.

Food

Cacilhas is known for its seafood. Look for grilled fish, clams in garlic and coriander (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), prawns and shellfish rice. See the Portuguese seafood guide.

Tips

• Light: late afternoon and sunset are best for photos. See the best sunset spots.
• Ferry: pay by contactless card or Navegante. See ferries in Portugal.
• Lift fee and hours: the lift ticket costs a few euros. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go.
• Wind: the platform is exposed. Bring a layer, even in summer.
• River views: see Cristo Rei from the water on a sunset cruise.

More: the best Lisbon viewpoints and unusual things to do in Lisbon.

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